Pilgrim's Progress

by John Bunyan

I saw a man clothed with rags standing in a certain place, with his face turned from his own house. In his hand he held a book, and he bore a great burden upon his back.

He opened the book, and as he read, he wept and trembled. Unable to contain his emotions any longer, he broke out with a mournful cry. “What shall I do?”

but he restrained himself as he pondered his true feelings.

At first, even his wife and children were unaware of his distress; but he grew more and more troubled.

He could no longer stay silent. He told his wife and children what he had learned from the book and how it troubled his mind. “Dear,” he said to his wife, “and you, my children, I...

“A burden lies heavily upon me.” He took a deep breath and...

“You see, I’ve learned that our city will be burned with fire from heaven. I’m afraid we are all doomed . . . even you, my sweet children, unless I can find some...

He tossed and turned with tears and sighs until the sky brightened with the dawn.

It saddened him to see them like this. In fact, he pitied them.

or he’d walk alone through fields while reading or praying.

(he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” – Acts 16:30-31)

He looked this way and that as if he would run, but instead he stood still. He didn’t know which way to go. As he stood there, a man named Evangelist walked up to him and asked, “Why are you crying?”

Then Evangelist said, “Why aren’t you willing to die, since this life is riddled with so many evils?”

Evangelist studied the man. “If this is your condition, why are you standing here still?” The man shrugged. “Because I don’t know where to go.”

Evangelist pointed his finger over a very wide field. “Do you see the wicket gate over there in the distance?”

Evangelist asked, “Do you see the shining light in the distance?”

19) “I think I do.” Evangelist said, “Keep that light in your eye and go up directly to it.

In my dream the man began to run. He hadn’t run far from his own door when his wife and children noticed what he was doing and cried out to him. “Come back! Come home!”

The man continued to run even though some of his neighbors mocked him. Others threatened him,

The name of the one was Obstinate and the name of the other Pliable.

They chased after him and a short time later they overtook him.

The man shook his head. “I can no longer live in the City of Destruction. I know I was born there and have lived my whole life there, but I’ve seen the truth of living and dying there. Sooner or later, you will sink lower than the grave, into a place that burns with fire and brimstone. Don’t go back! Come with me!” the man pleaded with his neighbors.

“And leave our friends and our comforts behind?”

“Yes,” Christian said (for that was the man’s name). “All you leave behind isn’t worthy to be compared with the tiniest portion ...

If you come with me, you’ll hold it yourself and fare as well as me, because where I go there is more than enough.

Obstinate’s brows knit into furrows of confusion. “What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to find them?”

“I seek an incorruptible inheritance,” Christian answered. “It’s pure and untarnished, and it never fades.

“Tush.” Obstinate held up his hand and with a flick of his wrist said, “Away with your book. Will you go back with us or not?”

Christian shook his head. “No, I will not. I have laid my hand to the plough and will not look back.”

Pliable didn’t move. He said, “Don’t berate him. If what the good Christian says is true, the things he seeks are far better than the things that hold our attention. I’m inclined to go with him.”

Go back, go back,” he pleaded. “It’s the wise thing to do.”

The things I spoke of are real, plus, there are many more glories too.

and it’s all confirmed by the blood of Him who made it.”

“I’ve been directed by a man whose name is Evangelist to hurry to a little gate where we shall receive instructions about the way.” Pliable found that to be agreeable. “Come then, good neighbor. Let’s be going.”

“I am so glad you were convinced to come along with me. If Obstinate had felt what I have felt of powers and terrors .

Pliable hungered to know more. “Since it is just the two of us, Christian, tell me more. What are the things you spoke of, and how are they to be enjoyed? Where are we going?” Christian struggled to put his thoughts into words. “It is easier to comprehend them with my mind than to explain them verbally.

Pliable pointed at the book. “So you think the words of your book are absolutely true?” Christian nodded without any doubt. “Yes, of course. It was made by Him who cannot lie.”

“Very well. Try to tell me of these things. What are they?” Christian motioned with his hand as he explained. “There is an endless kingdom to be inhabited and everlasting life to be given us, in order that we may live in that kingdom forever.” (For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. – Isa. 65:17)

“Brilliant! And what else?” “Well, there are crowns of glory to be given us and garments that will make us shine like the sun in the skies of heaven.”

“That is very pleasant news. What else?”

“There shall be no more crying, nor sorrow; for He who owns the place will wipe all tears from our eyes.”

creatures that will dazzle your eyes. You’ll also meet with thousands and ten thousands who have gone before us to that place.

we shall see the elders with their golden crowns (Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.

and the holy virgins with their golden harps.

“And we’ll see men who were cut into pieces by the world, burnt in flames, eaten of beasts, drowned in the seas, all because of their love for the Lord of the place

The fact is, if we are truly willing to have it, He will give to us freely.”

Pliable’s face brightened. “Well, my good companion, I’m glad to hear of all these things. Come on, let’s pick up our pace.”

Christian let out a long sigh. “I cannot go any faster because of thi...

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